Can't get these dang christmas lights to work! Ah Help?
#1





On the plug it states to use a 125V fuse, but so far I don't see one with these lights. Does anyone have any idea how to get these dang lights to work?
#2
The usual problem is not usually a dead bulb but a loose connection in the socket.
You can use an ohmmeter to trace thru the wiring to look for an open circuit.
You can use an ohmmeter to trace thru the wiring to look for an open circuit.
#3
This invariably reminds me of those customers who come into the store every holiday season frustrated because they strung their Christmas lights in the wrong direction. Now the want a double ended male extension cord to connect the 120 volt house current. One particular customer went so far as to tell me they in fact bought one just several years ago and could not understand why I could not, would not help them. And no amount of explaining would convince her otherwise. She told me its what her dad would use to feed the generator into the house during a power outage.

#8
Most "holiday" light strings are so cheaply built that they are considered to be "throw-aways". If you can get more than a couple of seasons use out of them you have beat the odds. Buying replacements AFTER Christmas (for use next year) is the smart thing to do. These things drop 20% in price (minimum) the day after Christmas and often as much as 70% or even 80% before the end of the year.
Or, do as I do and simply not get caught up in the holiday lighting mania.
(Call me Scrooge, I don't mind.
)
Or, do as I do and simply not get caught up in the holiday lighting mania.
(Call me Scrooge, I don't mind.

#9
There is a wonderful tool that I use extensively called the "Lightkeeper Pro. "I bought it maybe 5 years ago and I've used it to fix hundreds of light strings. I can go into a detailed explanation on how it works, but basically it sends a high voltage spike through the string to short the shunt on the dead bulb, as well as having a few other tools such as a bulb and fuse tester, etc.
Amazon.com: Lightkeeper Pro Miniature Light Repairing Tool - Fixes Christmas Holiday light sets with a squeeze of the trigger - Includes Battries, Extra Bolbs, Bulb remover and a BONUS 110-460 Volt Electric Circuit Tester: Electronics
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the above companies other than being a satisfied customer.
Amazon.com: Lightkeeper Pro Miniature Light Repairing Tool - Fixes Christmas Holiday light sets with a squeeze of the trigger - Includes Battries, Extra Bolbs, Bulb remover and a BONUS 110-460 Volt Electric Circuit Tester: Electronics
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the above companies other than being a satisfied customer.
#12
I've had one for several years. A few times I have had to search (loose bulb) but it usually quickly fixes the problem. Miles ahead of a multimeter in this application. Also available at most big box stores this time of year.
#13




#14
There is a time with mini lights and their cousins, that after a few lamps fail, they all will fail due to the voltage increase of the others being dead. After that point, it's best to use the set for parts.
#15







#16
Or, do as I do and simply not get caught up in the holiday lighting mania.
(Call me Scrooge, I don't mind. )
(Call me Scrooge, I don't mind. )
I use Amish christmas lights... Never had an issue in 30 yrs... My dad used them too... They will save you tons of money ...
Oh wait... Here is a pic of them last Christmas on my home...

#17



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#19
A wire may have snapped off of the contact in one of the lamp sockets.
The (female) add-on connector has "home run" wires from the power plug so its being live does not mean that the lamp socket subcircuit is intact.
The thin wires at the base of the lamp have to be positioned just right to touch the contacts in the socket.
The (female) add-on connector has "home run" wires from the power plug so its being live does not mean that the lamp socket subcircuit is intact.
The thin wires at the base of the lamp have to be positioned just right to touch the contacts in the socket.